Celebrating 160 years

The area of Parramatta was known by the Darug people as Burramatta ("Burra" meaning eel and "matta" meaning creek) and was managed by the Burramatta clan for many thousands of years before European settlement in 1788. The early governors of the British colony established and lived in what is now known as Old Government House – just one of the many heritage-listed buildings that pepper Parramatta Park.

But 160 years ago, in 1858, 246 acres in Parramatta were declared public land and given back to the people, making Parramatta Park one of the oldest public parks in the world.

We think this is cause for celebration.

Find out what’s on or take your time exploring the Park’s fascinating colonial history and heritage in our timeline and stories.